Sudden Rough idle and Stalling Issues

[Gweiner]

Update on this. Looks like points were burned out. Mechanic put new points in and it was running well again but soon points got burned out. Does anyone know what would cause this issue? I recently replaced stock alternator with a new 1 wire 130Amp alt. Is there an issue with the new Alt? It hasn an internal voltage regulator.

Appreciate any guesses here.

 

[Gweiner]

Bump. Curious what tbe gurus have to say.

 

[70_Steve]

Update on this. Looks like points were burned out. Mechanic put new points in and it was running well again but soon points got burned out. Does anyone know what would cause this issue? I recently replaced stock alternator with a new 1 wire 130Amp alt. Is there an issue with the new Alt? It hasn an internal voltage regulator.

Appreciate any guesses here.

SWAG. Thinking too much voltage to the coil/points? May or may not be related to the new alternator. Measure the voltage across the battery while the engine is running. Should be between 13.5 and 14.5 volts... Any more than that is a problem. Also, how's the wiring harness? Is the resistor wire, from the ignition switch, still intact? That wire limits the current to the coil/points when the engine is running. With no resistor wire/ballast resistor, the coil or points could be damaged.

 

[Gweiner]

Thanks 70 Steve. Great suggestions. I am on it.

 

[hyghlndr]

Might want to try one of these. I have had good luck and super simple to install.

http://www.pertronix.com/support/videos/ignitor/install-ford-motorcraft/default.aspx

 

[El Kabong]

Any chance it was left not running with the ignition on? That can burn points.

Or is there some sort of backfeed possible from the new alternator wiring? It seems like it wouldn't turn off if that were the case, but if somehow points were energized & the engine not turning it could be a possible cause.

 

[Jason72Bronco]

Ditto on the points burning. If the ignition was left on without it running, it can burn the points. (For example, you are checking on things, the engine dies, but you don't go and immediately turn off the ignition......it can burn the points in a matter of 15 seconds.)
Also, ditto on the Pertronix. Easy install, and you will never have to worry about points, condensor, or dwell again. I'd spring for the Ignitor II. It is a bit more than the original Ignitor, but "smarter." Plus, the II won't burn up like your points did, even if you leave the ignition on!

 

[Gweiner]

Wow, learned something new here (again). Did not k ow that about points. Definitely makes the case for the Pertronix ignition kit. Thanks guys!

 

[jckkys]

No, it makes the case for Duraspark. Why go to the after market when a superior electronic ignition was OE on '76-'77 Broncos?

 

[blubuckaroo]

Ditto on the points burning. If the ignition was left on without it running, it can burn the points. (For example, you are checking on things, the engine dies, but you don't go and immediately turn off the ignition......it can burn the points in a matter of 15 seconds.)
Also, ditto on the Pertronix. Easy install, and you will never have to worry about points, condensor, or dwell again. I'd spring for the Ignitor II. It is a bit more than the original Ignitor, but "smarter." Plus, the II won't burn up like your points did, even if you leave the ignition on!

Also, leaving the ignition on with the engine off will overheat the coil. It will happen with a Duraspark system as well.
I've had to replace one coil for each of my sons. For some reason they would leave the ignition on rather than the accessory position when they parked with girls and listened to tunes.%)

 

[Slednut10]

Update on this. Looks like points were burned out. Mechanic put new points in and it was running well again but soon points got burned out. Does anyone know what would cause this issue? I recently replaced stock alternator with a new 1 wire 130Amp alt. Is there an issue with the new Alt? It hasn an internal voltage regulator.

Appreciate any guesses here.

Please tell me that your mechanic replaced the condenser when he did your points! A failing or failed one will waste a set of points in no time.

 

[DaveLev]

Buy seafoam & two fuel filters. Swap fuel filter. Drive to gas station somehow. Pour in seafoam, then fill tank. Repeat on next tank, then done with seafoam, and replace fuel filter. Notice the gunk that pours out of fuel filter you originally put in.

You can test fuel pump with vacuum gauge while you're at it.

Check voltage and more importantly ground.

I think you can burn points if wires to coil are reversed, too?

Ensure that when the key is off no voltage going to coil. The dist wire comes off the coil, as you know, so check there.

Check battery voltage as well.

The exhaust system being replaced is suspect a bit. Perhaps too much backpressure or installed in reverse flow on those mufflers? Worth looking at for free anyway.

+1 on the vacuum lines. Buy a vacuum plug set, and simply replace all of them at once for under $5.00. You can test those with the same vacuum test tool you used on fuel pump. Don't have one? Harbor Freight for $30 or less. You'll use it a lot for various tasks.

Hope this helps.